Polysomnograms

Q: Do you refer patients for a psg (polysomnogram)?

Dr. Smith: This depends on many things, but one reason to refer for psgs is to gain a relationship with sleep doctors. I do refer initially for psgs, but when I get resistance, offer the Watch-PAT or ApneaLink. I have many husbands who will not go to a sleep center for their wife, but will take home a unit. I also have women who would never spend a night in a foreign place by themselves. So, we use these for those reasons, as well to verify success (or not) of the appliances. Add to that the fact last year the powers decided that these units can now be used to diagnose sleep apnea!